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Music Programs & Choirs

Benjamin received his Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance from Gustavus Adolphus College, under Helen Baumgartner.

He has recently been chaired as pianist with Mankato Symphony Orchestra. Since 2004, Ben has performed as the Artist In Residence at Morgan Creek Vineyards Wine Down for the Weekend Music Series.

Benjamin was awarded the PLRAC/McKnight Emerging Artist Grant to fund a recording of new repertoire in 2012. He also accompanies for churches and educational institutions throughout southern Minnesota.

Michael is currently a senior Choral and Instrumental Music Education double major at Gustavus Adolphus College. He is a Björling scholarship and music award winner. He studies Horn and Voice at Gustavus with Melissa Morey and Dr. David Kozisek. Michael is an active student conductor at Gustavus.

As a Horn player Michael has played in the Gustavus Wind Orchestra, Vasa Wind Orchestra, Gustavus Horn Choir, and Gustavus Brass Choir.

While not active as a Percussion student, Michael has studied Percussion with Paul Hill and has played with the Gustavus Wind Orchestra, Encore Wind Ensemble, Vasa Wind Orchestra, Percussion ensemble, Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra, Choir of Christ Chapel, and was most recently featured as a percussion soloist with the Gustavus Choir

As a singer Michael sings Bass/Baritone in the Gustavus Choirs as well as in Legacy A Capella.

While dabbling in composition, Michael was recently awarded as a finalist in the 2016 Gustavus Music for Peace Composition Contest.

As a conductor Michael has lead performances with the Belchertown High School Symphony Band, the Vasa Wind Orchestra, and the Choir of Christ Chapel. Michael has studied conducting with James Patrick Miller, Ruth Lin, Brandon Dean, and Gregory Aune.

Thank you for supporting the First Presbyterian Church of Mankato

RAFE THOMPSON FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR YOUTH IN CRISIS

As a primary contact for youth within our community, the Deacons of the First Presbyterian Church believe that you are in a position to help us reach out to youth in need.

The First Presbyterian Church of Mankato, Minnesota has available funds to provide financial assistance for teenagers/youth in crisis. Mary Thompson, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, established the fund known as the RAFE THOMPSON FUND in memory of her grandson Rafe Thompson.

The amount available is $500 per applicant. However depending on the status of the fund, additional fund requests from the same applicant may be considered.

The youth or an adult advocate (parent, guardian, counselor, outreach worker, friend) must submit a letter to the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church requesting the funds. The letter should include the amount of funding being requested, a description of how the funds will be used: the nature of the services and the provider of the services. The pastor will notify the applicant when the request has been approved. When the applicant or advocate incurs the debt for the services, the invoice or bill should be submitted to the pastor of First Presbyterian Church. Payment shall be made directly to the provider.

The Deacons of the First Presbyterian Church administer the funds. The identity of the applicant may be kept confidential from the Deacons, if the applicant so wishes. However, the pastor must know the identity of the applicant and vouch for the applicant.

Applicants need not be members of the first Presbyterian Church, however, priority will be given to First Presbyterian members and their families.

Some examples of how the funds could be used include but are not limited to: counseling, camp, treatment options, temporary housing.